I am often asked to write letters of recommendation, and I take pride in
writing them well. Here are some things you can do to help me write a very
strong letter for you.
Deadlines
I appreciate having two to three weeks’ advance notice before the deadline,
especially if I have not written a letter for you before. (If you need
additional letters, I can usually send these out with much less advance
notice.) However, you should feel free to ask me even if the deadline is less
than two to three weeks away.
What I need
q
Due dates
q
The name of the program/s you are applying to.
q
For internships, fellowships, and jobs: a brief
description or link to the web page.
q
Please complete the required information
(coordinates, name of the program, etc.) about yourself and myself in the
form/s.
q
Your resume.
q
Any specific items or special skills that you’d
like me to mention in the letter –e.g., specific coursework, extracurricular
experience, internships, language skills, etc.
q
A copy of your application essay usually helps.
q
A list of the courses that you took with me.
Why do I need these things?
All
of these items help me write a stronger letter for you and to tailor it to the particular
program, because they let me see what qualities the programs are looking for.
For instance, if a program says it values “strong quantitative and analytical
skills”, I can mention that in the letter. Your resume or application essay
often gives me additional items I can highlight.
Following up
I
will let you know, usually by email, when I have the letters ready for you to
pick up or for me to send out. If you haven’t heard from me a few days before
the deadline, feel free to send me an email or come to my office to remind me.
Finally, I’d appreciate hearing news of the outcome of your applications.
I
hope these steps will help me write the strongest possible letter for you.
Thanks!